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Travel.State.Gov > International Parental Child Abduction > Country Information > Venezuela International Parental Child Abduction Information

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Travel.State.Gov > International Parental Child Abduction > Country Information > Venezuela International Parental Child Abduction Information

Venezuela

Venezuela
Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela
Reconsider travel to Venezuela due to risk of crime, kidnapping, terrorism, and poor health infrastructure. Some areas have increased risk. Read the entire Travel Advisory.

The travel advisory level decreased to 3. The “Wrongful Detention,” “Unrest,” and “Other” risk indicators were removed. Areas of increased risk were added. Advisory summary was updated to reflect changes to U.S. embassy operations.

Reconsider travel to Venezuela due to risk of crime, kidnapping, terrorism, and poor health infrastructure. Some areas have increased risk. Read the entire Travel Advisory. 

Do Not Travel to:

  • Venezuela-Colombia border region (20 miles from the border) due to the risk of crime, kidnapping, and terrorism
  • Amazonas state due to the risk of terrorism
  • Apure state due to risk of terrorism
  • Aragua state outside of Maracay due to the risk of crime and kidnapping
  • Bolivar state rural areas due to the risk of crime and kidnapping
  • Guarico state due to the risk crime and kidnapping
  • Tachira state due to the risk of crime and terrorism

Advisory summary

U.S. embassy operations
In January 2026, the U.S. Department of State began a phased approach to resuming embassy operations in Venezuela. The Venezuela Affairs Unit located in Embassy Bogotá will continue to serve as the remote mission to Venezuela until the resumption of operations at the U.S. Embassy in Caracas.

  • Given the embassy’s suspended operations, U.S. government employees need special authorization to travel to Venezuela. They need authorization to travel outside of Caracas due to the safety risks.
  • Routine consular services remain suspended in Venezuela.
  • The Venezuela Affairs Unit cannot provide emergency services to U.S. citizens outside of Caracas.
  • Most consular services are still provided through the U.S. Embassy in Bogotá, Colombia.

Crime and kidnapping

  • While the situation is improving, conditions in some parts of Venezuela remain dangerous. Violent crimes such as homicide, armed robbery, and kidnapping occur.
  • Travelers face increased risk using unregulated taxis from Maiquetía Simón Bolívar International Airport serving Caracas. Security risks are also present when using ATMs near the airport.
  • Nighttime travel between cities or between the Maiquetía Simón Bolívar International Airport and Caracas is risky.
  • Irregular armed groups can carry out acts of violence against citizens without warning. Reliable crime statistics are unavailable.

Terrorism

There is risk of terrorist violence, including terrorist attacks and other activity in Venezuela. Visit the U.S. Department of State’s country reports on terrorism to learn more.

  • The Foreign Terrorist Organizations Tren de Aragua and Cartel de los Soles started in Venezuela and continue to operate.
  • Terrorist groups operate in Venezuela’s border areas with Colombia, Brazil, and Guyana.

Health Infrastructure
Venezuela’s healthcare system is recovering from a state of severe crisis.

  • There are critical shortages of medicines, broken equipment, and crumbling infrastructure in rural areas and in some neighborhoods.
  • Public hospitals in isolated areas frequently lack running water and electricity.
  • There are shortages of medical staff.
  • These issues have led to high mortality rates.
  • The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) recommends medicine to prevent malaria. Other mosquito-borne diseases, including chikungunya, zika, dengue, oropouche, and yellow fever, are common.
  • Contaminated water is a source of significant gastrointestinal infection in Venezuela.

If going outside urban centers, travelers should consider a health check before going to Venezuela to minimize the need for medical care while traveling.

Risks in specific areas

Level 4 – Do not travel

Venezuela-Colombia border region
Do not travel to the Venezuela-Colombia border region (20 miles from the border) due to the risk of crime, kidnapping, and terrorism.

  • Given the embassy’s suspended operations, U.S. government employees need special authorization to travel to Venezuela and need authorization to travel outside Caracas due to the safety risks.
  • Terrorist groups and criminal groups operate in the border region.
  • Do not travel here for any reason.

Amazonas state
Do not travel to the Amazonas state due to the risk of terrorism.

  • Given the embassy’s suspended operations, U.S. government employees need special authorization to travel to Venezuela and need authorization to travel outside Caracas due to the safety risks.
  • Terrorist groups operate in Amazonas state.
  • Do not travel here for any reason.

Apure state
Do not travel to the Apure state due to risk of terrorism

  • Given the embassy’s suspended operations, U.S. government employees need special authorization to travel to Venezuela and need authorization to travel outside Caracas due to the safety risks.
  • Terrorist groups and criminal groups operate in Apure state.
  • Do not travel here for any reason.

Aragua state outside of Maracay
Do not travel to the Aragua state outside of Maracay due to the risk of crime and kidnapping.

  • Given the embassy’s suspended operations, U.S. government employees need special authorization to travel to Venezuela and need authorization to travel outside Caracas due to the safety risks.
  • Criminal groups operate in Aragua state.
  • Do not travel here for any reason.

Bolivar state rural areas
Do not travel to rural areas of the Bolivar state due to the risk of crime and kidnapping.

  • Given the embassy’s suspended operations, U.S. government employees need special authorization to travel to Venezuela and need authorization to travel outside Caracas due to the safety risks.
  • Criminal groups operate in the rural areas of the Bolivar state.
  • Do not travel here for any reason.

Guarico state
Do not travel to the Guarico state due to the risk crime and kidnapping.

  • Given the embassy’s suspended operations, U.S. government employees need special authorization to travel to Venezuela and need authorization to travel outside Caracas due to the safety risks.
  • Criminal groups operate in Guarico state.
  • Do not travel here for any reason.

Tachira state
Do not travel to the Tachira state due to the risk of crime and terrorism.

  • Given the embassy’s suspended operations, U.S. government employees need special authorization to travel to Venezuela and need authorization to travel outside Caracas due to the safety risks.
  • Terrorist groups and criminal groups operate in Tachira state.
  • Do not travel here for any reason.

If you decide to travel to Venezuela:

  • Enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) to get important updates and alerts from the U.S. government. Enrolling helps the U.S. government contact you or your emergency contact in an emergency.
  • The U.S. government is extremely limited in its ability to offer emergency services to U.S. citizens, especially outside Caracas due to its limited presence and the safety risks.
  • A visa is required to enter Venezuela. Visas are not available on arrival. Travelers risk detention for entering without a valid Venezuelan visa.
  • The U.S. government cannot assist U.S. citizens in Venezuela in replacing lost or expired Venezuelan travel documents or getting Venezuelan entry or exit stamps.
  • If you are a business traveler, you should consult with your company's security department on ways to stay safe. This may include hiring a professional security organization.
  • Do not physically resist any robbery attempt.
  • Do not display signs of wealth, like expensive watches or jewelry.
  • Develop a communication plan with family, your employer, or host organization. This helps them monitor your safety and location as you travel through high-risk areas. Specify how you'll confirm you are safe (text, calls, etc.), how often, and who you will contact first to share the information.
  • Establish a proof-of-life protocol with your loved ones. If you are taken hostage, your loved ones will know specific questions (and answers) to ask the hostage-takers to confirm that you are being held captive and alive.
  • Review our information on Travel to High Risk Areas, U.S. Citizens Missing Abroad, Crime Abroad, Terrorism, and for Victims of Crime.
  • Make sure your insurance includes medical evacuation coverage.
  • Check with your healthcare provider about required vaccines for high-risk exposure before you go to Venezuela. Review the Health section in the Travel Guidance for Venezuela.
  • Bring enough supplies of over the counter and prescription medicines to cover the duration of the trip.
  • Have a plan to depart in an emergency that does not depend on U.S. government help. Review our information on Crisis and Evacuations.
  • Enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) to get important updates and alerts from the U.S. embassy. Enrolling helps the U.S. embassy contact you or your emergency contact in an emergency.
  • Review the Country Security Report for Venezuela.
  • Visit the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) website for the latest Travel Health Information for Venezuela.
  • Whether you are a first time or frequent traveler, use the International Travel Checklist.
  • We highly recommend that you buy travel insurance before you travel. Check with your travel insurance provider about evacuation assistance, medical insurance, and trip cancelation coverage.
... [READ MORE]

Hague Convention Participation

Party to the Hague Abduction Convention?
Yes
U.S. Treaty Partner under the Hague Abduction Convention?
Yes
Learn why the Hague Abduction Convention Matters.

What You Can Do

Learn how to respond to abductions FROM the US
Learn how to respond to abductions TO the US
ALL / ALL /

U.S. Embassy Colombia 
Calle 24 Bis No. 48-50 
Bogotá, D.C. Colombia 
Telephone: +(57)(1) 275-2000 
Emergency: +(57)(1) 275-2000 
Fax: No fax 
Online: https://co.usembassy.gov/services/contact-acs-form/ 
Website

The U.S. Department of State urges U.S. citizens not to travel to Venezuela, and recommends that U.S. citizens in Venezuela leave immediately. More information is in our Venezuela Travel Advisory.

The U.S. Embassy in Caracas suspended operations on March 11, 2019. It cannot provide consular services to U.S. citizens in Venezuela. The U.S. Embassy in Colombia assists U.S. citizens in Venezuela when possible.

If you are a U.S. citizen in Venezuela in need of assistance, or are concerned about a U.S. citizen in Venezuela, please contact us in one of the following ways:

  • Call us at +1-888-407-4747 (from the U.S. & Canada) or +1-202-501-4444 (from overseas).

Venezuela and the United States have been treaty partners under the 1980 Hague Convention on the Civil Aspects of International Child Abduction (Hague Abduction Convention) since January 1, 1997.

For information concerning travel to Venezuela, including information about the location of the U.S. Embassy, the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program, entry/exit requirements, safety and security, crime, medical facilities and health information, traffic safety, road conditions and aviation safety, please see country-specific information for Venezuela.

The U.S. Department of State reports statistics and compliance information for individual countries in the Annual Report on International Child Abduction. The report is located here.

 

The U.S. Department of State serves as the U.S. Central Authority (USCA) for the Hague Abduction Convention.  In this capacity, the Department's Bureau of Consular Affairs, Directorate for Overseas Citizens Services, Office of Children's Issues facilitates the submission of applications under the Hague Abduction Convention for the return of, or access to, children located in countries that are U.S. treaty partners, including Venezuela.  Parents are strongly encouraged to contact the Department of State for assistance prior to initiating the Hague process directly with the foreign Central Authority.

Contact information:

United States Department of State
Bureau of Consular Affairs
CA/OCS/CI
SA-17, 9th Floor
Washington, DC 20522-1709
Telephone:  1-888-407-4747
Outside the United States or Canada: 1-202-501-4444
Website

The Venezuelan Central Authority for the Hague Abduction Convention is the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (Ministerio del Poder Popular para Relaciones Exteriores).  The Ministry of Foreign Affairs's role is to perform the duties given to central authorities under the Hague Abduction Convention, including processing Hague Abduction Convention applications for return of and access to children. 

They can be reached at:

Ministerio del Poder Popular para Relaciones Exteriores
Direcci's General para Relaciones Consulares
Av. Urdaneta, Esq. Carmelitas a Puente Llaguno
Torre MRE-Anexo
Caracas, Venezuela
Phone number: 58-212-802-8000
Website: Ministerio del Poder Popular para Relaciones Exteriores

To initiate a Hague case for return of, or access to, a child in Venezuela, the left-behind parent must submit a Hague application to the Venezuelan Central Authority, either directly or through the USCA.  The USCA is available to answer questions about the Hague application process, to forward a completed application to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs; and to subsequently monitor its progress through the foreign administrative and legal processes.

There are no fees for filing Hague applications with either the United States or the Venezuelan Central Authority.  Attorney fees, if necessary, are the sole responsibility of the person hiring the attorney.  Additional costs may include airplane tickets for court appearances and for the return of the child, if so ordered.

 

 

 

 

A parent or legal guardian may file an application under the Hague Abduction Convention for return to the United States of a child abducted to, or wrongfully retained in, Venezuela.  The U.S. Department of State can assist parents living in the United States to understand whether the Convention is an available civil remedy and can provide information on the process for submitting a Hague application.

A person may file an application under the Hague Abduction Convention for access to a child living in Venezuela.  The criteria for acceptance of a Hague access application vary from country to country.  The U.S. Department of State can assist parents living in the United States to understand country-specific criteria and provide information on the process for submitting a Hague application.

Venezuela does not offer free or reduced fee legal aid services.  A public defender will be appointed to intervene in the judicial proceedings solely for the best interest of the child, not to represent either parent.  A parent may retain a private attorney in Venezuela to have his or her interests represented in court.

The U.S. Embassy in Caracas, Venezuela posts list of attorneys including those who specialize in family law.

This list is provided as a courtesy service only and does not constitute an endorsement of any individual attorney. The Department of State assumes no responsibility or liability for the professional ability or reputation of, or the quality of services provided by, the following persons or firms. Professional credentials and areas of expertise are provided directly by the lawyers.

We are not aware of any government or non-governmental organizations in Venezuela that offer mediation services for custody disputes.

Exercising Custody Rights

While travelling in a foreign country, you are subject to the laws of that country. It is important for parents to understand that, although a left-behind parent in the United States may have custody or visitation rights pursuant to a U.S. custody order, that order may not be valid and enforceable in the country in which the child is located.  For this reason, we strongly encourage you to speak to a local attorney if planning to remove a child from a foreign country without the consent of the other parent.  Attempts to remove your child to the United States may:

  • Endanger your child and others;
  • Prejudice any future judicial efforts; and
  • Could result in your arrest and imprisonment.

The U.S. government cannot interfere with another country’s court or law enforcement system.

To understand the legal effect of a U.S. order in a foreign country, a parent should consult with a local attorney in the country in which the child is located.  

For information about hiring an attorney abroad, see our section on Retaining a Foreign Attorney. 

Although we cannot recommend an attorney to you, most U.S. Embassies have lists of attorneys available online. Please visit the local U.S. Embassy or Consulate website for a full listing.

For more information on consular assistance for U.S. citizens arrested abroad, please see our website.

Country officers are available to speak with you Monday - Friday, 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.  For assistance with an abduction in progress or any emergency situation that occurs after normal business hours, on weekends, or federal holidays, please call toll free at 1-888-407-4747. See all contact information.

DISCLAIMER: The information in this flyer is provided for general information only, is not intended to be legal advice, and may change without notice. Questions involving interpretation of law should be addressed to an attorney licensed in the relevant jurisdiction. 

 

Last Updated: June 1, 2015

Assistance for U.S. Citizens

U.S. Embassy Caracas

OPERATIONS SUSPENDED - MARCH 11, 2019

U.S. Embassy Bogota
Calle 24 Bis No. 48-50 Bogotá, D.C. Colombia
Telephone
+(57)(1) 275-2000
Emergency
+(57)(1) 275-2000
Fax
No Fax
Email
ACSBogota@state.gov
Website
https://ve.usembassy.gov/

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